Media Player Box

Casterina · 02-06-2011, 17:27

I would like to purchase a Media Player Box but don't know which one I need

TheBigM · 02-06-2011, 17:29

A PS3 would be quite versatile.

Casterina · 02-06-2011, 17:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBigM

A PS3 would be quite versatile.

Don't want to purchase a PS3 just for watching movie as I already have a Xbox 360

Nigel Goodwin · 02-06-2011, 17:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casterina

Don't want to purchase a PS3 just for watching movie as I already have a Xbox 360

Doesn't that work as a Media Player? - I use mine as such when the occasion demands.

Casterina · 02-06-2011, 17:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

Doesn't that work as a Media Player? - I use mine as such when the occasion demands.

I use Xbox 360 for gaming not for media streaming, I just want to purchase a Media Player Box but don't know which one

DaddyFrag · 02-06-2011, 18:26

WD TV live, or the live hub will do the trick, the hub has built in hard drive if you want that, both are capable of streaming media from your home network NAS or Pc server, else they will play media from a USB stick, drive or memory card. If you don't need the network capability then the cheap mkv players from xenta and the sumvision cyclone will also do the job.
Checkout Ebuyer entertainment/media streaming there are plenty of other options as well as those above.

Casterina · 02-06-2011, 19:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyFrag

WD TV live, or the live hub will do the trick, the hub has built in hard drive if you want that, both are capable of streaming media from your home network NAS or Pc server, else they will play media from a USB stick, drive or memory card. If you don't need the network capability then the cheap mkv players from xenta and the sumvision cyclone will also do the job.
Checkout Ebuyer entertainment/media streaming there are plenty of other options as well as those above.

I won't need the ethernet port function, I will need the USB port so I can connect a HDD to watch the movies, but can I get a SATA to USB cable so I could get a 1TB SATA HDD for £40 and connect it up that way?

Question: Is Xenta and Sumvision Cyclone a china brand?

grahamlthompson · 02-06-2011, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casterina

Don't want to purchase a PS3 just for watching movie as I already have a Xbox 360

Greatest problem with a Xbox360 is it cannot double as a blu-ray player.

Nigel Goodwin · 02-06-2011, 19:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casterina

I use Xbox 360 for gaming not for media streaming, I just want to purchase a Media Player Box but don't know which one

Why not use it for both? - it would cost you nothing.

If you really want to spend money?, the cheap Xenta ones are amazing value - but a long way short of an Xbox 360.

Casterina · 02-06-2011, 19:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

Why not use it for both? - it would cost you nothing.

If you really want to spend money?, the cheap Xenta ones are amazing value - but a long way short of an Xbox 360.

I only use Xbox 360 for gaming, don't really waste a Xbox 360 to stream movies, why is Xenta and Sumvision Cyclone so cheap? Are they china brand?

DaddyFrag · 02-06-2011, 20:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casterina

I won't need the ethernet port function, I will need the USB port so I can connect a HDD to watch the movies, but can I get a SATA to USB cable so I could get a 1TB SATA HDD for £40 and connect it up that way?

Question: Is Xenta and Sumvision Cyclone a china brand?

You could purchase a cheap hard drive caddy, Ebuyer have several that accept both IDE and sata drives and then allow you to use them as a USB drive.
I think the xenta and sumvision units are Chinese made, but they play a wide variety of media formats and get some very positive reviews.

Casterina · 02-06-2011, 23:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyFrag

You could purchase a cheap hard drive caddy, Ebuyer have several that accept both IDE and sata drives and then allow you to use them as a USB drive.
I think the xenta and sumvision units are Chinese made, but they play a wide variety of media formats and get some very positive reviews.

Can you show me the SATA drive that allows me to use USB drive? I don't like China made product as they break easily, I want to purchase a good brand so it will last long

JamesParkin · 03-06-2011, 00:22

Apple tv all day long

Casterina · 03-06-2011, 00:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesParkin

Apple tv all day long

Apple products are overpriced, it's like buying the brand not the product

Nigel Goodwin · 03-06-2011, 08:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casterina

Can you show me the SATA drive that allows me to use USB drive? I don't like China made product as they break easily, I want to purchase a good brand so it will last long

I seriously doubt you're going to find one NOT made in China - same as Media players.

If you want a 'good make', Sony sell a USB media Player, but I would assume it's made in China anyway (although I've never looked).

Casterina · 03-06-2011, 09:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

I seriously doubt you're going to find one NOT made in China - same as Media players.

If you want a 'good make', Sony sell a USB media Player, but I would assume it's made in China anyway (although I've never looked).

Xenta and Sumvision are about £20 and if I add £20-30 more I can get WD TV with a good menu and it's a good brand, if Xenta and Sumvision breaks then I don't have a chance to get it repaired by sending back to manufacture

Nigel Goodwin · 03-06-2011, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casterina

Xenta and Sumvision are about £20 and if I add £20-30 more I can get WD TV with a good menu and it's a good brand, if Xenta and Sumvision breaks then I don't have a chance to get it repaired by sending back to manufacture

And no doubt WD TV is made in China just the same

Nigel Goodwin · 03-06-2011, 10:53

I've just been and looked on a Sony box (SMP-U10), it says 'made in Malaysia' and 'some components made in China'.

Casterina · 03-06-2011, 11:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

And no doubt WD TV is made in China just the same

What will be the difference between Xenta/Sumvision and WD?

simonk243 · 03-06-2011, 12:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaddyFrag

WD TV live, or the live hub will do the trick, the hub has built in hard drive if you want that, both are capable of streaming media from your home network NAS or Pc server, else they will play media from a USB stick, drive or memory card. If you don't need the network capability then the cheap mkv players from xenta and the sumvision cyclone will also do the job.
Checkout Ebuyer entertainment/media streaming there are plenty of other options as well as those above.

Call me thick.
Would this allow me to watch BBCiplayer itv player, you tube etc on my tv?

Thanks

DaddyFrag · 03-06-2011, 14:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by simonk243

Call me thick.
Would this allow me to watch BBCiplayer itv player, you tube etc on my tv?

Thanks

As far as I know none of the media streamers including WD, xenta and sumvision support BBC iplayer yet. The Sony unit does and has similar capabilities as the Sony blu ray players, minus the blu ray drive, I also think they have removed video streaming via dlna. But it still supports the same formats via USB disk drive. Sony currently support iplayer, demand five as well as YouTube and some other net services, checkout Sony product reviews for the bdp-s370 as an example.
Personaly I have been researching media streamers for my own home and came to the conclusion that if you want everything, streaming and catchup tv wise, you will need an htpc. If you can live without 4OD and ITV player, then a sony blu-ray player will do the job nicely. Lastly, if you can do without the catchup tv services all together then go for the WD tv live or other streaming device, depending on your preference.
Personaly I do not have a blu-ray player so this option serves two purposes for my situation. I am also happy to built my own htpc, but that option comes with it's own set of problems.
I am not recommending one option over another, it's really down to the individuals requirements and preference.

Nigel Goodwin · 03-06-2011, 15:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casterina

What will be the difference between Xenta/Sumvision and WD?

Probably just the name and the price.

Casterina · 03-06-2011, 16:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

Probably just the name and the price.

Both have good menus?

Nigel Goodwin · 03-06-2011, 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casterina

Both have good menus?

I've not seen a WD, but the Xentia menu's are fine.

chrisbartley · 03-06-2011, 23:16

Quote:

Xenta and Sumvision are about £20 ...... if Xenta and Sumvision breaks then I don't have a chance to get it repaired by sending back to manufacture

At 20 quid a pop do you really think there is any mileage in ANYONE repairing them

02-06-2011, 17:27	#1
Casterina Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 147	Media Player Box I would like to purchase a Media Player Box but don't know which one I need

02-06-2011, 17:29	#2
TheBigM Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: moon Posts: 12,983	A PS3 would be quite versatile.

02-06-2011, 17:32	#3
Casterina Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 147	Quote: Originally Posted by TheBigM A PS3 would be quite versatile. Don't want to purchase a PS3 just for watching movie as I already have a Xbox 360

02-06-2011, 17:47	#4
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by Casterina Don't want to purchase a PS3 just for watching movie as I already have a Xbox 360 Doesn't that work as a Media Player? - I use mine as such when the occasion demands.

02-06-2011, 17:51	#5
Casterina Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 147	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin Doesn't that work as a Media Player? - I use mine as such when the occasion demands. I use Xbox 360 for gaming not for media streaming, I just want to purchase a Media Player Box but don't know which one

02-06-2011, 18:26	#6
DaddyFrag Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 19	WD TV live, or the live hub will do the trick, the hub has built in hard drive if you want that, both are capable of streaming media from your home network NAS or Pc server, else they will play media from a USB stick, drive or memory card. If you don't need the network capability then the cheap mkv players from xenta and the sumvision cyclone will also do the job. Checkout Ebuyer entertainment/media streaming there are plenty of other options as well as those above.

02-06-2011, 19:02	#7
Casterina Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 147	Quote: Originally Posted by DaddyFrag WD TV live, or the live hub will do the trick, the hub has built in hard drive if you want that, both are capable of streaming media from your home network NAS or Pc server, else they will play media from a USB stick, drive or memory card. If you don't need the network capability then the cheap mkv players from xenta and the sumvision cyclone will also do the job. Checkout Ebuyer entertainment/media streaming there are plenty of other options as well as those above. I won't need the ethernet port function, I will need the USB port so I can connect a HDD to watch the movies, but can I get a SATA to USB cable so I could get a 1TB SATA HDD for £40 and connect it up that way? Question: Is Xenta and Sumvision Cyclone a china brand?

02-06-2011, 19:13	#8
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Quote: Originally Posted by Casterina Don't want to purchase a PS3 just for watching movie as I already have a Xbox 360 Greatest problem with a Xbox360 is it cannot double as a blu-ray player.

02-06-2011, 19:44	#9
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by Casterina I use Xbox 360 for gaming not for media streaming, I just want to purchase a Media Player Box but don't know which one Why not use it for both? - it would cost you nothing. If you really want to spend money?, the cheap Xenta ones are amazing value - but a long way short of an Xbox 360.

02-06-2011, 19:47	#10
Casterina Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 147	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin Why not use it for both? - it would cost you nothing. If you really want to spend money?, the cheap Xenta ones are amazing value - but a long way short of an Xbox 360. I only use Xbox 360 for gaming, don't really waste a Xbox 360 to stream movies, why is Xenta and Sumvision Cyclone so cheap? Are they china brand?

02-06-2011, 20:57	#11
DaddyFrag Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 19	Quote: Originally Posted by Casterina I won't need the ethernet port function, I will need the USB port so I can connect a HDD to watch the movies, but can I get a SATA to USB cable so I could get a 1TB SATA HDD for £40 and connect it up that way? Question: Is Xenta and Sumvision Cyclone a china brand? You could purchase a cheap hard drive caddy, Ebuyer have several that accept both IDE and sata drives and then allow you to use them as a USB drive. I think the xenta and sumvision units are Chinese made, but they play a wide variety of media formats and get some very positive reviews.

02-06-2011, 23:31	#12
Casterina Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 147	Quote: Originally Posted by DaddyFrag You could purchase a cheap hard drive caddy, Ebuyer have several that accept both IDE and sata drives and then allow you to use them as a USB drive. I think the xenta and sumvision units are Chinese made, but they play a wide variety of media formats and get some very positive reviews. Can you show me the SATA drive that allows me to use USB drive? I don't like China made product as they break easily, I want to purchase a good brand so it will last long

03-06-2011, 00:22	#13
JamesParkin Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Londinium Posts: 1,850	Apple tv all day long

03-06-2011, 00:28	#14
Casterina Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 147	Quote: Originally Posted by JamesParkin Apple tv all day long Apple products are overpriced, it's like buying the brand not the product

03-06-2011, 08:51	#15
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by Casterina Can you show me the SATA drive that allows me to use USB drive? I don't like China made product as they break easily, I want to purchase a good brand so it will last long I seriously doubt you're going to find one NOT made in China - same as Media players. If you want a 'good make', Sony sell a USB media Player, but I would assume it's made in China anyway (although I've never looked).

03-06-2011, 09:51	#16
Casterina Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 147	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin I seriously doubt you're going to find one NOT made in China - same as Media players. If you want a 'good make', Sony sell a USB media Player, but I would assume it's made in China anyway (although I've never looked). Xenta and Sumvision are about £20 and if I add £20-30 more I can get WD TV with a good menu and it's a good brand, if Xenta and Sumvision breaks then I don't have a chance to get it repaired by sending back to manufacture

03-06-2011, 10:24	#17
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by Casterina Xenta and Sumvision are about £20 and if I add £20-30 more I can get WD TV with a good menu and it's a good brand, if Xenta and Sumvision breaks then I don't have a chance to get it repaired by sending back to manufacture And no doubt WD TV is made in China just the same

03-06-2011, 10:53	#18
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	I've just been and looked on a Sony box (SMP-U10), it says 'made in Malaysia' and 'some components made in China'.

03-06-2011, 11:53	#19
Casterina Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 147	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin And no doubt WD TV is made in China just the same What will be the difference between Xenta/Sumvision and WD?

03-06-2011, 12:07	#20
simonk243 Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,382	Quote: Originally Posted by DaddyFrag WD TV live, or the live hub will do the trick, the hub has built in hard drive if you want that, both are capable of streaming media from your home network NAS or Pc server, else they will play media from a USB stick, drive or memory card. If you don't need the network capability then the cheap mkv players from xenta and the sumvision cyclone will also do the job. Checkout Ebuyer entertainment/media streaming there are plenty of other options as well as those above. Call me thick. Would this allow me to watch BBCiplayer itv player, you tube etc on my tv? Thanks

03-06-2011, 14:42	#21
DaddyFrag Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 19	Quote: Originally Posted by simonk243 Call me thick. Would this allow me to watch BBCiplayer itv player, you tube etc on my tv? Thanks As far as I know none of the media streamers including WD, xenta and sumvision support BBC iplayer yet. The Sony unit does and has similar capabilities as the Sony blu ray players, minus the blu ray drive, I also think they have removed video streaming via dlna. But it still supports the same formats via USB disk drive. Sony currently support iplayer, demand five as well as YouTube and some other net services, checkout Sony product reviews for the bdp-s370 as an example. Personaly I have been researching media streamers for my own home and came to the conclusion that if you want everything, streaming and catchup tv wise, you will need an htpc. If you can live without 4OD and ITV player, then a sony blu-ray player will do the job nicely. Lastly, if you can do without the catchup tv services all together then go for the WD tv live or other streaming device, depending on your preference. Personaly I do not have a blu-ray player so this option serves two purposes for my situation. I am also happy to built my own htpc, but that option comes with it's own set of problems. I am not recommending one option over another, it's really down to the individuals requirements and preference.

DS Forums

Media Player Box

03-06-2011, 15:31	#22
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by Casterina What will be the difference between Xenta/Sumvision and WD? Probably just the name and the price.

03-06-2011, 16:21	#23
Casterina Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 147	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin Probably just the name and the price. Both have good menus?

03-06-2011, 19:21	#24
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by Casterina Both have good menus? I've not seen a WD, but the Xentia menu's are fine.

03-06-2011, 23:16	#25
chrisbartley Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: berks Posts: 1,643	Quote: Xenta and Sumvision are about £20 ...... if Xenta and Sumvision breaks then I don't have a chance to get it repaired by sending back to manufacture At 20 quid a pop do you really think there is any mileage in ANYONE repairing them